Reviews: What Families Have Said About Mindful Birth NY

“I look back on my birth, with so much emotion and gratitude. It is hard to capture in words something so profound and aligned, except to say that they were sacred hours, in which I met a new layers of myself, found reservoirs of strength and connection, and felt supported and held. It was undoubtedly Mary Esthers presence, guidance and loving touch that facilitated that experience for me.

Her calm, intuitive teaching in the weeks leading up to the birth, were always the soothing (and educational) sessions my body and soul needed. During the labor she connected like a member of family, the hours slowed and she provided reassurance, encouragement and creative approaches for progression – always with love, patience and graceful self-assurance. As we reached the most intense moments, she, together with my husband and obstetrician, held me with their belief; when I felt I couldn’t go on, they reflected the hidden knowing that indeed I could.

Our son was born in a crescendo of loving energy. It was triumphant and raw. Mary Esther in her angelic, unassuming way, helped us all meet parts of ourselves we didn’t know before, and with that we are forever connected and eternally grateful.” Micaela

“What an amazing experience! We feel blessed that we had your presence and help throughout. If you ever need a testimonial, you’ll get a powerful one from us. You are not just a doula – you are a game changer!”
—Abbas 

“I just want to say thank you for everything. You were inspirational during the tough times, comforting during the challenging moments and a helpful hand at exactly the right times. As a man, you enlightened me and opened my eyes to a powerful, primal, beautiful experience that cannot truly be shared in words. Our daughter was blessed by having you with us through this magical experience.”
—Matt

“Mary Esther Malloy is a legendary doula in the city for good reason. She had a huge impact on my ability to cope with labor and to navigate a traumatic prior birth experience.
I didn’t fully believe that working with a doula could end up making even an unmedicated birth feel manageable. But Mary Esther is the real deal and she made the difference for me. She coached my husband so that he was supporting me effectively. It felt like we were all on a team together. She and my husband were with me, backing me up, every step of the way.
When things got very exciting at the end of my labor, she was the calm force in the room when the doctor and nurses were freaking out because I ended up birthing my son in an unexpected way (on the hospital floor on my hands and knees). The nurses listened to her as she quietly and smoothly directed them how to handle it. She is calm under pressure, completely focused on the mama’s well being, and is so kind and easy that she doesn’t get under the medical providers’ skin.
Mary Esther also has a counseling background that emerges as she helps you to do the work beforehand that prepares you for the big day. For me, that was bimonthly zoom check in calls where we talked about my past experience giving birth and worries and hopes about what would happen in my upcoming birth. During those calls, I cried hard about my fears and Mary Esther helped me find a path forward and to connect with internal resources that actually ended up giving me a huge boost during labor.
Mary Esther is adored in the birth world for good reason. She is generous of spirit, funny, authentic, deeply caring, and really fucking good at her work. It is a testament to her skill that there were so many moments of peace and calm, of laughter, and of deep connection with the child in my belly during my birth experience. I look back on my last labor quite fondly and think I could definitely do that again.” Aisha

“Essential to our sense of calm and focus was the fact that we hired the most excellent doula—Mary Esther! What, you may ask, would a doula do during a cesarean delivery? A great doula does just the perfect thing at every moment during a birth experience and Mary Esther was invaluable to us.”
—Sarah 

Dear Valeriana, Mary Esther and Gayle, Wow. I am still processing the beautiful birth of Andrew and have been writing a letter of deep gratitude in my head to the three of you for days. I feel so very blessed to have had such amazingly strong, sensitive and gifted women at my side for the birth of both my son and daughter.  You each have such a unique way about you. I could feel deeply the special offering that each of you brought to our sacred space for Andrew’s birth. As a team of three women (plus beloved Richard) at my side, our circle was complete.  It is so moving to think back on how beautifully you work together and compliment each other in this delicate vulnerable process.  I am so thankful for the amount of love, trust and assurance I feel and felt when working with you.
—Tonnie 

“Mary Esther, I have no words to thank you for everything you did to care for us and help bring Theo into the world this past weekend. Your tenderness, deep knowledge, intuition, faith and confidence kept me going when I did not think it was possible. Afterwards, Jody and I were in awe of your generosity and patience. Of course we weren’t surprised, because that is who you are and what you taught in class, but it was still beyond invaluable, and humbling to experience.”
— Lauren 

“I took Mary Esther’s 8-week intensive birth class, and found it so helpful and informative that I ended up asking her to work with me as my doula. Luckily, she said yes! Up until then, I had been approaching the birth of my first child with fear and apprehension—so much of the discussion I had previously experienced around birth cultivated those feelings—and I had been unsure of what I wanted or what to expect of myself. That is, until Mary Esther entered my life. With her by my side, I was able to let go of unnecessary expectations and release my fear. I had an incredible birth experience. I was able to be present for it. I was able to use mindfulness to guide me through the hardest moments. And I was prepared—both emotionally and physically—to meet my child. So much of this life-changing moment is impossible to put into words, but I remain forever grateful for Mary Esther’s courage, strength and calming presence during birth. Without her there, I have no doubt I would have had an entirely different experience. Later, I joined her mother’s group, which was a lifeline during my first few weeks of motherhood. There, I found a community of women who were able to be vulnerable, kind, and open, all thanks to Mary Esther’s guidance and remarkable leadership. Here was a space where I could find myself again. Mary Esther was able to connect the work one does to prepare for birth with the work that inevitably follows in being a mother. To work with Mary Esther is to work with the best. How fortunate for all of us that she exists.” —Thessaly La Force

“Well the day came!! Eli and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl on Sunday. We are thrilled. Your class helped in so many ways—more than anything. You are wonderful at what you do. Thank you so much.”
—Jill

“I channeled you many times through labor and I’m sure Sidd would say the same. You are such a gem and we are so grateful for what you give to the world. It is immense.”
—Kavita

“I can’t tell you how much we have both enjoyed the class. We leave every week talking about what an awesome human, presence, and educator you are. Each class we have so much to talk about afterward, in particular how quickly the time flew because we were so engaged. Everything you present is done so thoughtfully, to inform, empower, and inspire, all without the slightest bit of judgment. We feel particularly lucky to have found you and this class. We feel moved in many of your classes. This is a major spiritual situation!!!! I’m recommending your class to all my newly pregnant queer friends.”
—Vanessa

“Mary Esther is a terrific teacher and great communicator, and her classes are essential for parents. I’m a psychotherapist who has learned about developmental neuroscience, and I am very impressed that Mary Esther’s teaching is supported by evidence from important infant research- which demonstrates that the emotional attunement between caretaker and baby, and the child’s internal sense of secure attachment are crucial to healthy psychological and neurological growth. The benefits of growth-promoting relational experiences for an infant right from the start cannot be underestimated, and this is just what Mary Esther promotes through her work with Mindful Birth. Her approach to birth, breastfeeding, and care taking are grounded in ideas that promote close connections and healthy intimacy for baby and caretaker. Every baby should be so lucky as to have a parent who takes these classes.”
— Jeremy Pollet, LCSW

“James and I both know that things would have been very, very different if we hadn’t found your class! Coming to understand the anatomical changes in tandem with the psychological ones, in a totally open, convivial group setting fostered by your **amazing sense of humor** = invaluable. We’re able to take each hurdle as a team… as a family, all of which makes the hard work so much more doable.”
— Sarah

“Throughout this whole process the guiding principles of what you taught us in your class helped us keep our composure and appreciate the experience. From breathing, to counting, switching positions, and dealing with pain, we had something to turn to at every step of the way. Of course, it was also helpful that Rachel is amazingly strong!”

— Noam

“Just wanted to thank you again for the amazing classes. No matter what happens, I feel like I would not have appreciated birth at all in the same way. All the wisdom and tips and information; it was honestly just fantastic. And your story-telling skills are definitely the chocolatey amazing frosting on the cake.”

— Carly and Colin

“Even though we took your class more than two years ago, it was small thoughts and encouragements from your class that got me through the most intense parts of this labor. I kept reminding myself that I had to choose this birth, and I did. Had it not been for your class, my birth with Anna would likely have been a c-section, and my birth with Julia certainly would have involved an epidural, and whatever interventions would have followed from that. Thank you so much for all that you have done for our family.”
—Sarah

“I just want to thank you again for your class – your guidance and info was invaluable. Given some of the challenges we faced in our labor, I felt even more prepared because having taken the class with you. All of the tricks and suggestions you offered certainly came in handy and I cannot thank you enough. You make all of us birth warriors and I for one will be forever grateful for that. Thank you!!! I completely credit you and your class for making it through the back labor and not feeling defeated but walking through the pain.”
—Lauren and Adam

“[Giving birth] was absolutely incredible and life changing. Hands down the best experience of my life. Thank you so much for all of your great advice and teachings. I really feel that the bond that my husband and I formed during your classes was probably the most important aspect of getting through it. Bottom line we trusted each other and trust really matters when you are going through something so intense. Thank you for everything!”
—Sarah

“I have to thank you again for our classes. They were such a pleasure. I can’t imagine preparing for this momentous event with anyone else. You taught us the beauty, wonder, and the science behind childbirth with such grace and ease. Thank you!”
—Sara

“I can’t imagine our pregnancy without your visits. Amazing presentation of good, great, and lovely ideas. I will be in your debt now, on the day(s) in question, and in the future.”
—Daniel

“Mary Esther, your class gave Ralph and me what we needed physically, mentally and emotionally to bring us such a wonderful and unforgettable experience. I recommend you and your class to everyone.”
—Christie

“Mary Esther, we felt so well prepared for our birth for which we are so grateful to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher!”
—Jake

“….A moment later, I had this squirming magnificent warm bundle on my chest, and Kerry was beside us. We were finally a family. We really couldn’t have made it through without our awesome class. We look forward to hearing more birth stories and seeing you at the reunion.”
—Amy and Kerry

“I feel so fortunate to have met you. Your work helping/allowing women to believe in themselves is surely one of the most important there is. I am an admirer.”
—Olivia

“I took Mary Esther’s 8-week intensive birth class, and found it so helpful and informative that I ended up asking her to work with me as my doula. Luckily, she said yes! Up until then, I had been approaching the birth of my first child with fear and apprehension—so much of the discussion I had previously experienced around birth cultivated those feelings—and I had been unsure of what I wanted or what to expect of myself. That is, until Mary Esther entered my life. With her by my side, I was able to let go of unnecessary expectations and release my fear. I had an incredible birth experience. I was able to be present for it. I was able to use mindfulness to guide me through the hardest moments. And I was prepared—both emotionally and physically—to meet my child. So much of this life-changing moment is impossible to put into words, but I remain forever grateful for Mary Esther’s courage, strength and calming presence during birth. Without her there, I have no doubt I would have had an entirely different experience. Later, I joined her mother’s group, which was a lifeline during my first few weeks of motherhood. There, I found a community of women who were able to be vulnerable, kind, and open, all thanks to Mary Esther’s guidance and remarkable leadership. Here was a space where I could find myself again. Mary Esther was able to connect the work one does to prepare for birth with the work that inevitably follows in being a mother. To work with Mary Esther is to work with the best. How fortunate for all of us that she exists.” —Thessaly La Force

“I was so happy to find a place to share both the joys and the concerns about my new baby and about being a new mother, a place to freely talk and eagerly listen. The topics Mary Esther brought up at each session were insightful and thought-provoking – they so often spoke to what I was wrestling with at the time and sparked such lively discussion amongst our group. And what a treat to see such cute babies every week! I miss the group so much!”
— Jacqueline 

“As a first-time mom, I’ve felt my intuition, but I’ve also felt doubt. This group has been so reassuring and helped me trust my intuition. It has felt very intimate sharing this process.”
— Lourdes

“I enjoyed seeing us grow in community, through our stories… the tears and laughter. It’s been pretty incredible.”
— Erin

“Living in New York, so far from my family, not knowing what I’m doing… even the first day I came here, I felt so great.”
— Rachel

“This group has been a great opportunity to slow down and be present. It’s been great to get to know other new moms – it can be hard to have community in New York City.”
— Zoe

“I wish I had had something like this my first months as a mother. I was so isolated. Coming to a safe spot and finding community has been really great.”
— Megan

“I’ve been grateful for the sisterhood, the friendship we’ve created for ourselves and our children. I know who to invite to my son’s first birthday! I got inspiration and parenting techniques and shared my own personal experiences… sometimes things are hard to talk about and it’s been really helpful.”
— Jennifer

“I’ve loved being able to nurse and have it feel so comfortable here. I was here for the worst part of the breastfeeding and got so much encouragement and practical tips. I appreciate the new friendships. When I am groggy and nursing at 3:00 am and get a text from someone here, I have to laugh!”
— Abby

“I’m reflecting on my blessings and I find myself thinking of our New Moms group. At that very unusual time in our lives when we all met – that raw, sleep-deprived, nervous, confused, perhaps a little self-doubting and deliriously in love with our new little ones time – I really needed the group. And I got more out of your shared stories, questions, advice and support than I could possibly express in words. As I chase after my swift, opinionated crawler, I remember us all bringing our sweet little (stationary!) newborns to that yoga room, with our fierce determination to get there no matter how difficult it was, for the chance to talk with one another and set our minds at ease. Thank you in particular, Mary Esther, for being a generous, wise & nurturing leader. You are truly a treasure.”
— Kristin

“These meetings are such a refuge.”
— Leah

“I always feel better after our groups… better than I have all week.”
— Abigail

“I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the group you’ve put together. You have such warm energy, it’s easy to feel right at home with you. I don’t know where I would be without you, both during my pregnancy and now. So thanks for being there, you’re truly inspiring.”
— Maite

“The New Moms Talk Group was an amazing resource for me and my family. Mary Esther led our discussion from a place of understanding and trust, which set the tone for all of us. It helped me combat the isolation I sometimes felt and I know I am a better mother for having participated.”
— Jenny

“I was so happy to find a place to share both the joys and the concerns about my new baby and about being a new mother, a place to freely talk and eagerly listen. The topics Mary Esther brought up at each session were insightful and thought-provoking – they so often spoke to what I was wrestling with at the time and sparked such lively discussion amongst our group. And what a treat to see such cute babies every week! I miss the group so much!”
— Jacqueline

“Being a new mom is definitely great, but can be overwhelming at times. This groups gave me the support I needed.”
— Patricia